It’s at stake for Los Angeles on the final Sunday of the 2023 regular season. Making the playoffs with a 9-7 record after a 3-6 record was an outstanding accomplishment. It did so a week earlier, giving coach Sean McVay the flexibility to play his cards at Santa Clara (1:25 p.m. PT/FOX).
Except for some exceptional circumstances, McVay leaves behind his biggest stars on offense: Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Kyren Williams; Aaron Donald and Ernest Jones IV on defense. Carson Wentz is the starting quarterback against San Francisco, and the Rams coach said he will play the starting offensive line.
“It’s not like a preseason game...Hey, we’ve got to take steps in the right direction,” McVay said this week. “The guys that are playing have to be ready and understand that it’s about continuous improvement, and ultimately the guys that aren’t playing have to do a good job of leading and preparing and being ready when they’re ready.” Come wild card game.
In other words, the Rams want to take care of several key players and prepare others who have a chance to take the field, and still look to win against a strong opponent that also has significant deficiencies. The 49ers (12-4), already tied for first place in the NFC, announced that Sam Darnold will be the starting quarterback in place of Brock Purdy and that running back Christian McCaffrey will also not play.
Besides being a West Coast classic and helping to define who LA’s opponent is. In the wild-card round, the game at Leviand Stadium will see if Puka Nacua can make history with new records for catches and yards.
McVay explained that Nacua will play and that he will leave the game as soon as possible if the records are reached.
Sentence
“Apparently someone wants to play. You want to be there, but after talking to Sean [McVay] and looking at the big picture, it makes sense to make sure guys are where they need to be, confident guys, and as healthy and ready as possible for this race. we will.“
During the break against San Francisco for some of the team’s stars
A look at the NFC
The Rams are the #6 seed in the NFC, so their playoff opponent today is Detroit (11-5) . ), the No. 3 seed. and will play Minnesota early Sunday morning at Ford Field. Los Angeles cannot move up from No. 6 but could drop to No. 7 if their loss is combined with a win by Green Bay (8 -8). ).The Packers also host Chicago (7-9). If that were to happen, the Rams would have to face the number 2 seed in the wild card round, which is currently Dallas (11-5), a position held by the Cowboys .would be safe if they won in Washington. If Dallas loses and Philadelphia beats the Giants in East Rutherford, the Eagles would move into the #2 spot. It is also possible that Detroit could move up to 2nd if they win games, combined with losses or ties. Cowboys and Eagles. In other words, if the Rams finish 7th, their playoff opponent will most likely be Dallas and less likely Philadelphia and then Detroit. 4,444 4,444 Data: 29 4,444 4,444 receiving yards Puka Nacu has to break the NFL rookie record since 1960 when Bill Groman had 1,473 yards for the Houston Oilers. Additionally, Nacua is just four catches away from tying Jaylen Waddle’s NFL rookie record with 104 for the Dolphins.
Season honors
Four Rams players were named to the Pro Bowl this week: quarterback Matthew Stafford, running back Kyren Williams, quarterback Puka Nacua and defensive lineman Aaron Donald, who was named all-pro in each of 10 seasons. , which no one has done since 1970 in the NFL. In addition, Ben Skowronek was selected as an “alternate” member of special equipment.
Elsewhere, the Rams organization announced its season awards on Friday: Stafford received the Daniel F. Rooney Memorial Award as the team’s most valuable player. Nacua received the Carroll Rosenbloom Memorial Award like the Newcomer of the Rams of the Year. Cooper Kupp received the Carl Ekern Spirit of the Game Award for best sportsmanship, ethics and dedication to teammates. Kupp is the Rams’ nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. And finally, Joe Noteboom took home the Ed Block Courage Award as an example of inspiration, sportsmanship and courage.
Injury report
In addition to some of the Rams’ stars, offensive lineman Joe Noteboom (leg) and tight end Tyler Higbee (shoulder) and defensive end Duke Shelley (hamstring) are out. ).
The 49ers are resting several injured players at once, highlighting star running back Christian McCaffrey (calf). Defensive lineman Arik Armstead (foot/knee), guards Tashaun Gipson (quad) and Jian#039;Ayir Brown (knee); cornerback Ambry Thomas (hand) and tight end Ross Dwelly (ankle) are out. Wide receivers Jauan Jennings (concussion), Danny Gray (shoulder) and Ray-Ray McCloud (ribs), who is also a kick returner, and offensive lineman Jon Feliciano (back) were listed as questionable.
Keys
The first line of attack and the first line of defense are key to winning at Leviand Stadium.
